All posts by z3u9t.icu

Kevin Campbell believes Luke Ayling’s lengthy injury absence is a huge blow for Leeds United, after news emerged that the defender required surgery.

The Lowdown: Ayling missing for Leeds

The 30-year-old hasn’t featured for the Whites since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United last month, having picked a knee issue.

Ayling is to be missing for a considerable period after the news broke last week that he needed surgery, with an absence of around six weeks expected, meaning it will be well into the hectic winter fixture schedule before he returns.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″]

The Latest: Pundit bemoans absence

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell, a regular on Sky Sports, highlighted Ayling’s importance to Leeds, outlining why he will be such a big loss in the coming period:

“He’ll be a big miss if he’s out for that long. Leeds have some crucial fixtures coming up after the internationals.

“Ayling is Mr. Reliable and you will only ever see him out of the side if he’s got a bad injury. He’s been brilliant for them over the past couple of seasons and has been virtually ever-present.

“Injuries happen to everybody though. It is so important to have a player who can plug the gap until he is back.

“Shackleton has been very good but I still think they will really miss Ayling. He is a fantastic player who can chip in with a goal or two as well. He’s so consistent at right-back and consistency is the key. He gives you a seven or eight out of 10 every week.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-19/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Huge loss for Whites

Ayling has been a fantastic servant for Leeds and there is no denying that they lose a lot when he isn’t in the team.

The 30-year-old possesses a big character and leadership from right-back, but he also brings so much energy and quality, both in an attacking and defensive sense.

Ayling’s screamer at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season showed what he is capable of ability-wise, but he has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, too, which is really where he shines.

In other news, a pundit has been critical of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion have spent the last five years yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, with two relegations and one promotion since 2017/18.

There have been several factors behind their inability to remain a consistent force in the top-flight of English football, but arguably the most pivotal aspect is their poor record in the transfer market.

Many players have been brought into the Hawthorns for relatively large fees before failing to live up to expectations in recent years, heavily contributing to the club’s struggles at the elite level.

And one of those who has arguably flopped for the Midlands outfit is Karlan Grant. The 24-year-old striker was brought to West Brom in a £15m deal back in October 2020, making him one of their most expensive purchases.

During his unveiling, technical director Luke Dowling lauded the youngster’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net, claiming he was ready for the step-up that the Premier League would undoubtedly provide.

“We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League,” said Dowling. “He has scored goals throughout his career, including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.”

However, things have not gone to plan for Grant. The former England U18 international scored just a single goal as West Brom finished 19th last term, immediately returning to the Championship as a result.

His underwhelming performances upfront saw him fall out of favour when Sam Allardyce took over from Slaven Bilic halfway through the season, with his last league start coming at the beginning of February.

Although Grant has started the current campaign well, bagging four goals and providing two assists in 11 Championship outings, his inability to produce at the highest level has seen his market value plummet to just £7.2m, less than half the total that West Brom paid for his services just last year.

While the £30,000-per-week dud may yet come good for the Baggies, it appears the club’s hierarchy made a big mistake in placing their trust in a striker unproven in the Premier League, contributing heavily to their eventual relegation.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £1.8m: Ismael must wield axe on 27 y/o West Brom liability 

Many West Ham United fans have been angered on Twitter, following a post from The Athletic writer Roshane Thomas detailing some of David Moyes’ comments on transfer activities at the London Stadium this summer.

With the Premier League set to kick-off for the Hammers this Saturday away to Newcastle United, the Londoners go into the tie having made just two signings in the form of Craig Dawson and Alphonse Areola [Transfermarkt].

Now, West Ham fans have been thrust into further anxiety over recruitment activity after input from the manager, who stated the following (via Thomas’ Twitter account): “We’ve got offers in but not everything is coming to fruition.”

As you can imagine, loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to vent their fury at the recent communication, with the transfer window due to shut in a matter of weeks.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to Thomas’ Twitter page, here is what some Irons fans had to say about recent developments:

“Nothing is coming to fruition! And it’s not good enough”

Credit: @cheersthough

“I predict last minute loan deals will form the basis of our summer ‘activity’”

Credit: @teepee61

“Moyes Out”

Credit: @whufctom_

“This guy is an embarrassment”

Credit: @JayWHU

 “Fake bids, 3 weeks on one bid and player still hasn’t signed, no intentions to sign, publicity stunts #EnoughIsEnough #GSBOUT”

Credit: @ChrisBetts82″Moyes Out”Credit: @whufctom_In other news, West Ham fans react to a transfer update.

Everton are expected to have a sizeable transfer budget at their disposal over the January window as Rafa Benitez aims to add multiple additions to his struggling first-team squad.

What’s the story?

That’s according to journalist Paul Brown, who claims that Benitez is likely to have a minimum of £30 million to spend as he plots the Toffees’ path up the Premier League table.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “There should be £30million or £35million to spend in this window, if not more.”

Fans surely buzzing

If Brown’s latest revelation is accurate, then Benitez will have significantly more room to maneuver in the winter window than he did during the summer, allowing him to make the necessary additions that excite supporters.

The Blues were the lowest spending Premier League club just a few months ago, spending only £1.6m in order to prise Demarai Gray away from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

In fact, Gray was the only acquisition that the Merseyside club spent any cash on, with Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan all joining on free transfers.

Benitez admitted Financial Fair Play guidelines resulted in Everton being unable to spend big during his first transfer window in the Goodison Park dugout after the club posted enormous losses of £139.9m for the last financial year.

However, with Everton’s books beginning to look healthy after James Rodriquez’s departure back in September, the Spanish tactician can start planning ahead.

According to the Liverpool ECHO, director of football Marcel Brands and co. are understood to be looking for two new additions in particular, with a winger and a box-to-box midfielder at the top of their wishlist.

The likes of Jesse Lingard, Luis Diaz and Donny van de Beek have been named as targets by several reports, and it’s clear that Benitez is in need of players of that quality.

Everton have picked up just a single point from a possible 15 after losing just one of their opening seven top-flight fixtures, meaning Benitez and the Goodison faithful will be buzzing to see more cash ready to spend in January.

And, in other news…Huge blow: Everton suffer big injury setback, Benitez will be gutted 

Everton are interested in a deal to bring Joaquin Correa to Goodison Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calciomercato, who claim that Rafael Benitez’s side are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Lazio attacking midfielder ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

However, the report goes on to state that Inter Milan are also in the race for the 26-year-old, with Simone Inzaghi believed to be keen to set up a reunion with his former player at the San Siro next season.

It is then claimed that Inter are preparing themselves for a tussle with the Toffees in order to secure the services of the Argentina international, for whom it is believed Maurizio Sarri would be demanding at least €35m (£30m) in order to part with this summer.

Bernard upgrade

Considering just how impressive Correa was for Lazio last season, in addition to the fact that Bernard has recently moved onto pastures new, it is easy to see why Benitez is considering a move for the attacking midfielder ahead of next season.

Indeed, over his 28 Serie A appearances for I Biancocelesti last term, the £27m-rated man scored eight goals, registered three assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making one key pass per game.

These returns saw the man Rahul Warrier dubbed a “menace” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Lazio’s joint fifth-best performer in the top flight of Italian football.

The former Sevilla man also highly impressed over his eight Champions League appearances last time out, bagging three goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances, seeing him earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.11.

Furthermore, with Correa also being able to operate comfortably from the left wing, the signing of the £81k-per-week forward could be viewed as a replacement for the recently departed Bernard.

And, with the Brazilian having scored just one goal, as well as failing to provide an assist or create a big chance over his 12 Premier League appearances last season, it is not a difficult argument to make that the Argentine would be a huge upgrade on the £130k-per-week man.

Finally, it would also appear as if the 26-year-old would be open to a move to England, with it being reported that the Lazio gem has expressed to Sarri that he would like to leave Rome this summer, as well as the attacker previously claiming that he would “like to play in the Premier League.”

As such, it would very much appear as if the opportunity is there for Benitez to land Correa ahead of next season, all that would seem to remain is the Toffees coughing up the money to begin talks with the Argentine.

In other news: Bye-bye Rodriguez: Benitez must seal Everton swoop for “exceptional” 33-goal wizard

Manchester United have been linked with a remarkable move for Juventus striker Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport (as cited by the Daily Mail), United have offered the 36-year-old monster a £17 million-a-year offer to make a return to Old Trafford over the coming months.

The report also claims that Paul Pogba could move in the opposite direction if a deal can be agreed, meaning the France international would be reunited with Massimiliano Allegri in Turin.

Solskjaer must avoid

Ronaldo’s talent is indisputable. The Juve ace has five Ballon d’Or’s, 33 major trophies and an incredible 780 goals for club and country to show for his glittering career.

He’s arguably the greatest footballer to ever play the beautiful game, but his powers are waning, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must avoid the temptation to bring him back to Manchester.

While Ronaldo is still capable of finding the back of the net on a regular basis, he now needs to be supplied with a constant stream of precise passes and perfect crosses to be effective.

His lack of mobility severely hampers teams, somewhat limiting the options for any manager that he plays for.

In the modern era, pressing has become a popular and fashionable part of the game, forming the foundation for successful teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City and RB Leipzig.

Having Ronaldo at the top end of the pitch makes it impossible to implement such a tactic, given his physical limitations.

Although United have pressed effectively on occasion, notably against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season, Solskjaer often prefers his team to counter-attack, hitting teams on the break with fast, precise and dynamic moves.

Again, Ronaldo is now incapable of playing effectively in this style on a regular basis. The Red Devils’ boss must weigh up what the five-time Champions League winner would take away from his side against what he would add.

A constant supply of goals for a season or two in a desperate, short-sighted attempt to win silverware versus a complete reversal on the DNA he has worked so hard to embed throughout his reign.

Ronaldo was asked about a potential move away from the Allianz Stadium ahead of his nation’s opening Euro 2020 fixture against Hungary.

“I have been playing at the highest level for many years, this doesn’t faze me,” said the Portugal captain.

“Maybe if I was 18 or 19, I might have had some sleepless nights, but I’m 36. Whatever comes will be for the best, regardless of staying at Juve or being transferred.”

The Old Lady’s talisman will always be remembered fondly by United supporters for his previous endeavours at the club, but a return shouldn’t be considered and Ed Woodward must avoid making a transfer mistake by bringing in the £500,000-per-week superstar.

And, in other news…MUFC heading for huge transfer mistake over 22 y/o gem, he can be a “complete player” 

According to The Telegraph, Everton and Tottenham were interested in signing Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters during the transfer window.

The Lowdown: Busy transfer window

For Southampton, it was a busy transfer window – they ended up bringing in no less than six fresh faces before the deadline (Transfermarkt).

They were some outgoings, as well, but they avoided one more in the final few days.

The Latest: Saints rejected proposal

As per journalist Mike McGrath, the Toffees made an enquiry for £16.2m-valued Walker-Peters (Transfermarkt) towards the end of the window.

Tottenham were also said to be interested in re-signing the 24-year-old before they completed a move for Emerson Royal.

The Verdict: Needed

Southampton actually did strengthen in the right-back position during the transfer window. They signed Valentino Livramento from Chelsea and, with them holding onto Yan Valery, they now have three players to choose from on that side of the back four.

Livramento has started all three matches at right-back (Transfermarkt), but Walker-Peters has been used at left-back instead. He is also a more than reliable back-up option for Livramento, who is still just 18 years of age – the teenager will need the experience of Walker-Peters to help him continue to develop.

In other news, Southampton fans were far from happy with this man’s exit.

JustJoe Football ShowJustJoe Football Show presenter Joe Wainman reckons Leeds United could make a late move to sign Daryl Dike.

The United States international, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship outfit Barnsley, was linked with the Whites – along with Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton – prior to the transfer window even opening.

Dike is also thought to be on West Bromwich Albion’s radar having worked with new Baggies boss Valerien Ismael during his time at Barnsley.

The 21-year-old scored nine goals in 22 Barnsley appearances and Leeds are reportedly exploring the possibility of completing a loan deal before next week’s transfer deadline.

Having seen his temporary spell with Barnsley come to an end, Dike has returned to Major League Soccer outfit Orlando City and scored two goals in four appearances.

Former All Leeds TV anchorman Wainman believes Marcelo Bielsa may look to welcome Dike to Elland Road before the window slams shut.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “I think a loan with a view to a permanent deal has been mooted.

“I know he is wanted by the West Brom manager who had him at Barnsley. He did really well while at Barnsley.

“Leeds clearly aren’t spending in this window, which is a bit disappointing, but there may be the chance of a loan. I know we were linked with him previously, while he was still at Barnsley, so it may be an option.”

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has admitted that a number of players will move on from the club this summer following the Black Cats’ play-off disappointment.

The Lowdown: Another season in League One

Johnson’s side may have beaten Lincoln City 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon, but they still exited the League One play-offs at the semi-final stage.

The 2-0 defeat in the first leg did the damage for Sunderland, meaning they must now prepare for a fourth successive season in English football’s third tier.

The Latest: Johnson provides key update

There have been claims that Johnson could be sacked this summer, and speaking to The Chronicle after the Lincoln match, the manager admitted that several players will leave in what is set to be a summer of upheaval on Wearside. The 39-year-old outlined:

“There’s going to be a natural evolution of the squad now. Some players will have played their last game there today for various reasons.

“Some we may want to keep but can’t afford to, some we might not want and will want to move on, and others we might want to retain and will give them our best offer. It’s a sad day because you do build a rapport with these players.

“I think our recruitment becomes the difference, to be honest with you. That is the summer challenge – to make sure, potentially on a slightly reduced budget, that we actually recruit very well.

“I fully believe in the club, there’s no doubting that. I came into the club knowing how difficult it was going to be.

“We’ve had an unbelievable run of things that have gone on – some you know, and some you don’t know – and we’ve obviously continued to try to plough away.

“In the background, we’ve got a sporting director and owner working very hard, and a new head of recruitment and data, and that’s a process that’s ever-evolving, but that I don’t have to be involved in until now.

“We will set down and reflect on the season, and have some really honest conversations and be brutally honest about what went well and what didn’t go well.

“There’ll be changes. It’s inevitable there’ll be changes, and the test will be whether we can make those changes for the better.”

The Verdict: Time for an overhaul

With so many Sunderland players out of contract at the end of the season, with the likes of Grant Leadbitter, Josh Scowen or Aiden McGeady among that list, it does feel like a new era is beginning at the club, particularly in light of Johnson’s candid admission.

Another promotion push has to be the aim in 2021/22, however, as the Black Cats desperately look to battle their way back into the Championship for the first time since 2017/18.

Whether or not Johnson is the man to oversee a new batch of players coming to the club remains to be seen, but he is clearly under no illusions that his squad will be very different if he stays. There were numerous new arrivals at the start of the campaign; we can expect that to be the case again this summer.

In other news, many Sunderland fans slammed one player after the play-off exit. Find out who it is here.

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United face Crystal Palace in Monday evening’s 20:00 kick-off, with the Whites looking to take one step closer to Premier League survival by taking all three points back to Elland Road.

Indeed, a victory at Selhurst Park would see Leeds pull seven points clear of 18th placed Everton, and move to within one point of tonight’s opponent – who currently sit in 14th.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

However, with Adam Forshaw recently fracturing his knee cap in training – an injury which will keep the midfielder sidelined until the start of 2022/23 – and the match coming too soon for both centre-forward Patrick Bamford and attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts, Marsch has some tough calls to make concerning his team selection for the trip to south London.

So, will the 48-year-old make any changes to the team that started the 3-0 win over Watford 16 days ago? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Whites could line up against the Eagles…

Taking into account the absences of Forshaw, Bamford and Roberts, we predict that Marsch will make two changes to the side that lined up against the Hornets last time out.

Despite the suggestion that Junior Firpo could make a return to the XI this evening – with the left-back appearing to have recovered from his sideband injury – considering the fact that the 25-year-old has not kicked a ball in earnest since the beginning of March, we expect Leeds’ back five to remain unchanged – with Illan Meslier starting between the sticks and Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas making up the back four.

In the middle of the park, after a poor showing at Vicarage Road last time out, the £46k-per-week Robin Koch – who Danny Mills dubbed a “fish out of water” earlier this season – makes way for the returning Kalvin Phillips, with Mateusz Klich keeping his place in the midfield two.

In attack, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison start on the right, middle and left of the more advanced midfield trio, while, following a run of seven games at centre-forward without a goal, Daniel James has to make to with a spot on the bench, with Marsch springing something of a “surprise” – in the words of Phil Hay – by handing 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt a start.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”